Gov Mead Vetoes Part of Budget, Lottery Bill Passes Another Vote [AUDIO]

Governor Matt Mead vetoed some sections of the supplemental budget bill Thursday.

The governor vetoed bill language that seeks to require most state agencies to propose budget reductions of 4, 6 and 8 percent for the coming two-year spending cycle. Mead said it doesn't make sense to go through the work of planning for specific levels of cuts before state budget analysts release their revenue projections. Mead also vetoed other language limiting state spending on wildfires.The legislature approved $32 million for fires plus another $5 million from a landfill fund if necessary. Mead's action would allow the state to spend $60 million.The governor also vetoed technical language concerning state funds management. Lawmakers must now decide whether to try to override Mead's vetoes.House speaker, Representative Tom Lubnau (HD-31), says they haven't made a decision yet.

We are assessing our options, we have to see what the Governor's veto message says....

The lottery bill survived second reading in the Senate Thursday, but not before being successfully amended to say basically that the state will set up the corporation to run the lottery, but will not be liable for it. Senator Michael Von Flatern (SD-24) says it protects the state.

It's very important to most of us that should it fall on its face, we don't have to back it up...

There have also been several attempts to change where some of the proceeds of the lottery would go. Currently the bill says the money would go to cities and towns.Von Flatern says that may be the real discussion on third reading.

The senate passed the phase one education accountability bill Thursday. Representative Matt Teeters (HD-5), chairman of the House Education Committee, says he thinks the bill will help set up an accountability system that will serve the state well.